Reapply Candidates

Hi all, I have not been very active on the forum but have followed it for over a year. I did not get in last year to USCGA, but reapplied and got in this year after a year of college and ACT prep. I see many of you are waiting to here and if some of you do not get in and want to reapply I would be happy to answer questions that you have about the reapplication process. Good luck to the rest still waiting!

I also reapplied as a college student this year. What improvements from last year to this year do you believe helped your application the most?

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What made the biggest difference was my ACT scores. I improved my composite from a 28 to a 31 and my math score was a 32 which they said carries the most weight. I also mimicked first year classes and got all A's and a B+ while taking Calc 1 Chem, History, and Eng Comp.

What made the biggest difference was my ACT scores. I improved my composite from a 28 to a 31 and my math score was a 32 which they said carries the most weight. I also mimicked first year classes and got all A's and a B+ while taking Calc 1 Chem, History, and Eng Comp.

Hi all, I have not been very active on the forum but have followed it for over a year. I did not get in last year to USCGA, but reapplied and got in this year after a year of college and ACT prep. I see many of you are waiting to here and if some of you do not get in and want to reapply I would be happy to answer questions that you have about the reapplication process. Good luck to the rest still waiting!

Click to expand...

Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82. He passed the DODmerb. I'm not sure what else he can do besides bring up his test scores??? Were the essays and recommendations the same? What about a recommendation from school counselor? When did you re-apply? Are you at a community college? When did you find out you got in? Finally, what leadership positions did you take advantage of in college, if any? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

Hi all, I have not been very active on the forum but have followed it for over a year. I did not get in last year to USCGA, but reapplied and got in this year after a year of college and ACT prep. I see many of you are waiting to here and if some of you do not get in and want to reapply I would be happy to answer questions that you have about the reapplication process. Good luck to the rest still waiting!

Click to expand...

Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82. He passed the DODmerb. I'm not sure what else he can do besides bring up his test scores??? Were the essays and recommendations the same? What about a recommendation from school counselor? When did you re-apply? Are you at a community college? When did you find out you got in? Finally, what leadership positions did you take advantage of in college, if any? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

Click to expand...

Wow your son has a way better file then I did out of high school. I went to community college and I recommend that if USCGA is what your son really wants to do go this route because state university classes are so big it will be harder to build a personal relationship with professors. He will need recommendations from his college professors and I really built a good relationship with them because class sizes were no more than 30-35. Do not ask for the letters until mid October- Early November. The only thing with community college is you need to get all A's and take the courses I said above. He will need to get his high school counselor to write the recommendation required for a counselor. Show improvement on test scores and the PFE and your son should be fine; USCGA really likes reapplicants. Honestly your sons extra-curricular activities are strong enough that I would just tell him to focus on school and test scores. I didn't get involved in anything and I had a weaker file then your son coming out of high school. I finished my application in late December, got qualified in mid January, and got in February 25th. Honestly community college sucks and your son is going to get sick of it pretty fast and see his friends at big universities having fun, but encourage him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is totally worth it

Hi all, I have not been very active on the forum but have followed it for over a year. I did not get in last year to USCGA, but reapplied and got in this year after a year of college and ACT prep. I see many of you are waiting to here and if some of you do not get in and want to reapply I would be happy to answer questions that you have about the reapplication process. Good luck to the rest still waiting!

Click to expand...

Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82. He passed the DODmerb. I'm not sure what else he can do besides bring up his test scores??? Were the essays and recommendations the same? What about a recommendation from school counselor? When did you re-apply? Are you at a community college? When did you find out you got in? Finally, what leadership positions did you take advantage of in college, if any? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

Click to expand...

Wow your son has a way better file then I did out of high school. I went to community college and I recommend that if USCGA is what your son really wants to do go this route because state university classes are so big it will be harder to build a personal relationship with professors. He will need recommendations from his college professors and I really built a good relationship with them because class sizes were no more than 30-35. Do not ask for the letters until mid October- Early November. The only thing with community college is you need to get all A's and take the courses I said above. He will need to get his high school counselor to write the recommendation required for a counselor. Show improvement on test scores and the PFE and your son should be fine; USCGA really likes reapplicants. Honestly your sons extra-curricular activities are strong enough that I would just tell him to focus on school and test scores. I didn't get involved in anything and I had a weaker file then your son coming out of high school. I finished my application in late December, got qualified in mid January, and got in February 25th. Honestly community college sucks and your son is going to get sick of it pretty fast and see his friends at big universities having fun, but encourage him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is totally worth it

Hi all, I have not been very active on the forum but have followed it for over a year. I did not get in last year to USCGA, but reapplied and got in this year after a year of college and ACT prep. I see many of you are waiting to here and if some of you do not get in and want to reapply I would be happy to answer questions that you have about the reapplication process. Good luck to the rest still waiting!

Click to expand...

Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82. He passed the DODmerb. I'm not sure what else he can do besides bring up his test scores??? Were the essays and recommendations the same? What about a recommendation from school counselor? When did you re-apply? Are you at a community college? When did you find out you got in? Finally, what leadership positions did you take advantage of in college, if any? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

Click to expand...

Wow your son has a way better file then I did out of high school. I went to community college and I recommend that if USCGA is what your son really wants to do go this route because state university classes are so big it will be harder to build a personal relationship with professors. He will need recommendations from his college professors and I really built a good relationship with them because class sizes were no more than 30-35. Do not ask for the letters until mid October- Early November. The only thing with community college is you need to get all A's and take the courses I said above. He will need to get his high school counselor to write the recommendation required for a counselor. Show improvement on test scores and the PFE and your son should be fine; USCGA really likes reapplicants. Honestly your sons extra-curricular activities are strong enough that I would just tell him to focus on school and test scores. I didn't get involved in anything and I had a weaker file then your son coming out of high school. I finished my application in late December, got qualified in mid January, and got in February 25th. Honestly community college sucks and your son is going to get sick of it pretty fast and see his friends at big universities having fun, but encourage him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is totally worth it

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for the advice! We were leaning towards community college anyhow. Did you talk to your admissions advisor about weaknesses on your original application? I wish they'd at least give you a one sentence reason why you didn't get in on the rejection letter. I would love to know his biggest weakness. He thought he did well on his interview, but maybe not. I guess we'll always wonder. Anyhow, congratulations on your appointment and thanks again!

Hi all, I have not been very active on the forum but have followed it for over a year. I did not get in last year to USCGA, but reapplied and got in this year after a year of college and ACT prep. I see many of you are waiting to here and if some of you do not get in and want to reapply I would be happy to answer questions that you have about the reapplication process. Good luck to the rest still waiting!

Click to expand...

Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82. He passed the DODmerb. I'm not sure what else he can do besides bring up his test scores??? Were the essays and recommendations the same? What about a recommendation from school counselor? When did you re-apply? Are you at a community college? When did you find out you got in? Finally, what leadership positions did you take advantage of in college, if any? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

Click to expand...

Wow your son has a way better file then I did out of high school. I went to community college and I recommend that if USCGA is what your son really wants to do go this route because state university classes are so big it will be harder to build a personal relationship with professors. He will need recommendations from his college professors and I really built a good relationship with them because class sizes were no more than 30-35. Do not ask for the letters until mid October- Early November. The only thing with community college is you need to get all A's and take the courses I said above. He will need to get his high school counselor to write the recommendation required for a counselor. Show improvement on test scores and the PFE and your son should be fine; USCGA really likes reapplicants. Honestly your sons extra-curricular activities are strong enough that I would just tell him to focus on school and test scores. I didn't get involved in anything and I had a weaker file then your son coming out of high school. I finished my application in late December, got qualified in mid January, and got in February 25th. Honestly community college sucks and your son is going to get sick of it pretty fast and see his friends at big universities having fun, but encourage him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is totally worth it

Hi all, I have not been very active on the forum but have followed it for over a year. I did not get in last year to USCGA, but reapplied and got in this year after a year of college and ACT prep. I see many of you are waiting to here and if some of you do not get in and want to reapply I would be happy to answer questions that you have about the reapplication process. Good luck to the rest still waiting!

Click to expand...

Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82. He passed the DODmerb. I'm not sure what else he can do besides bring up his test scores??? Were the essays and recommendations the same? What about a recommendation from school counselor? When did you re-apply? Are you at a community college? When did you find out you got in? Finally, what leadership positions did you take advantage of in college, if any? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

Click to expand...

Wow your son has a way better file then I did out of high school. I went to community college and I recommend that if USCGA is what your son really wants to do go this route because state university classes are so big it will be harder to build a personal relationship with professors. He will need recommendations from his college professors and I really built a good relationship with them because class sizes were no more than 30-35. Do not ask for the letters until mid October- Early November. The only thing with community college is you need to get all A's and take the courses I said above. He will need to get his high school counselor to write the recommendation required for a counselor. Show improvement on test scores and the PFE and your son should be fine; USCGA really likes reapplicants. Honestly your sons extra-curricular activities are strong enough that I would just tell him to focus on school and test scores. I didn't get involved in anything and I had a weaker file then your son coming out of high school. I finished my application in late December, got qualified in mid January, and got in February 25th. Honestly community college sucks and your son is going to get sick of it pretty fast and see his friends at big universities having fun, but encourage him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is totally worth it

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for the advice! We were leaning towards community college anyhow. Did you talk to your admissions advisor about weaknesses on your original application? I wish they'd at least give you a one sentence reason why you didn't get in on the rejection letter. I would love to know his biggest weakness. He thought he did well on his interview, but maybe not. I guess we'll always wonder. Anyhow, congratulations on your appointment and thanks again!

Click to expand...

Honestly I barely ever had contact with my admissions officer. Mine were very hard to get a hold of and not very helpful. Since your son had an interview and has talked to his admission officer, I would have your son email him/her to see weaknesses in his file. They will probably say SAT scores need to improve to around 1400. There are many test score improvement courses like Princeton review and Kaplan. I personally did Princeton review, but you should look into both to see what is best. Good luck to your son!

Hi all, I have not been very active on the forum but have followed it for over a year. I did not get in last year to USCGA, but reapplied and got in this year after a year of college and ACT prep. I see many of you are waiting to here and if some of you do not get in and want to reapply I would be happy to answer questions that you have about the reapplication process. Good luck to the rest still waiting!

Click to expand...

Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82. He passed the DODmerb. I'm not sure what else he can do besides bring up his test scores??? Were the essays and recommendations the same? What about a recommendation from school counselor? When did you re-apply? Are you at a community college? When did you find out you got in? Finally, what leadership positions did you take advantage of in college, if any? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

Click to expand...

Wow your son has a way better file then I did out of high school. I went to community college and I recommend that if USCGA is what your son really wants to do go this route because state university classes are so big it will be harder to build a personal relationship with professors. He will need recommendations from his college professors and I really built a good relationship with them because class sizes were no more than 30-35. Do not ask for the letters until mid October- Early November. The only thing with community college is you need to get all A's and take the courses I said above. He will need to get his high school counselor to write the recommendation required for a counselor. Show improvement on test scores and the PFE and your son should be fine; USCGA really likes reapplicants. Honestly your sons extra-curricular activities are strong enough that I would just tell him to focus on school and test scores. I didn't get involved in anything and I had a weaker file then your son coming out of high school. I finished my application in late December, got qualified in mid January, and got in February 25th. Honestly community college sucks and your son is going to get sick of it pretty fast and see his friends at big universities having fun, but encourage him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is totally worth it

Hi all, I have not been very active on the forum but have followed it for over a year. I did not get in last year to USCGA, but reapplied and got in this year after a year of college and ACT prep. I see many of you are waiting to here and if some of you do not get in and want to reapply I would be happy to answer questions that you have about the reapplication process. Good luck to the rest still waiting!

Click to expand...

Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82. He passed the DODmerb. I'm not sure what else he can do besides bring up his test scores??? Were the essays and recommendations the same? What about a recommendation from school counselor? When did you re-apply? Are you at a community college? When did you find out you got in? Finally, what leadership positions did you take advantage of in college, if any? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

Click to expand...

Wow your son has a way better file then I did out of high school. I went to community college and I recommend that if USCGA is what your son really wants to do go this route because state university classes are so big it will be harder to build a personal relationship with professors. He will need recommendations from his college professors and I really built a good relationship with them because class sizes were no more than 30-35. Do not ask for the letters until mid October- Early November. The only thing with community college is you need to get all A's and take the courses I said above. He will need to get his high school counselor to write the recommendation required for a counselor. Show improvement on test scores and the PFE and your son should be fine; USCGA really likes reapplicants. Honestly your sons extra-curricular activities are strong enough that I would just tell him to focus on school and test scores. I didn't get involved in anything and I had a weaker file then your son coming out of high school. I finished my application in late December, got qualified in mid January, and got in February 25th. Honestly community college sucks and your son is going to get sick of it pretty fast and see his friends at big universities having fun, but encourage him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is totally worth it

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for the advice! We were leaning towards community college anyhow. Did you talk to your admissions advisor about weaknesses on your original application? I wish they'd at least give you a one sentence reason why you didn't get in on the rejection letter. I would love to know his biggest weakness. He thought he did well on his interview, but maybe not. I guess we'll always wonder. Anyhow, congratulations on your appointment and thanks again!

Click to expand...

Honestly I barely ever had contact with my admissions officer. Mine were very hard to get a hold of and not very helpful. Since your son had an interview and has talked to his admission officer, I would have your son email him/her to see weaknesses in his file. They will probably say SAT scores need to improve to around 1400. There are many test score improvement courses like Princeton review and Kaplan. I personally did Princeton review, but you should look into both to see what is best. Good luck to your son!

Click to expand...

On the topic of SAT improvement courses, I'm an American applying from abroad and can't get access to any SAT prep, so I used Khan Academy, a free online service. I found it really helpful and got a score of 1300. Not sure if that's good enough for the academy though.
It's hard to tell what part of the application is the one that let you down.
If I do go to University instead of community college, can I get my recommendations from my high school English and math teachers, or should I ask the professor, who like you said probably won't know me too well in a large university class?

Hi all, I have not been very active on the forum but have followed it for over a year. I did not get in last year to USCGA, but reapplied and got in this year after a year of college and ACT prep. I see many of you are waiting to here and if some of you do not get in and want to reapply I would be happy to answer questions that you have about the reapplication process. Good luck to the rest still waiting!

Click to expand...

Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82. He passed the DODmerb. I'm not sure what else he can do besides bring up his test scores??? Were the essays and recommendations the same? What about a recommendation from school counselor? When did you re-apply? Are you at a community college? When did you find out you got in? Finally, what leadership positions did you take advantage of in college, if any? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

Click to expand...

Wow your son has a way better file then I did out of high school. I went to community college and I recommend that if USCGA is what your son really wants to do go this route because state university classes are so big it will be harder to build a personal relationship with professors. He will need recommendations from his college professors and I really built a good relationship with them because class sizes were no more than 30-35. Do not ask for the letters until mid October- Early November. The only thing with community college is you need to get all A's and take the courses I said above. He will need to get his high school counselor to write the recommendation required for a counselor. Show improvement on test scores and the PFE and your son should be fine; USCGA really likes reapplicants. Honestly your sons extra-curricular activities are strong enough that I would just tell him to focus on school and test scores. I didn't get involved in anything and I had a weaker file then your son coming out of high school. I finished my application in late December, got qualified in mid January, and got in February 25th. Honestly community college sucks and your son is going to get sick of it pretty fast and see his friends at big universities having fun, but encourage him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is totally worth it

Hi all, I have not been very active on the forum but have followed it for over a year. I did not get in last year to USCGA, but reapplied and got in this year after a year of college and ACT prep. I see many of you are waiting to here and if some of you do not get in and want to reapply I would be happy to answer questions that you have about the reapplication process. Good luck to the rest still waiting!

Click to expand...

Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82. He passed the DODmerb. I'm not sure what else he can do besides bring up his test scores??? Were the essays and recommendations the same? What about a recommendation from school counselor? When did you re-apply? Are you at a community college? When did you find out you got in? Finally, what leadership positions did you take advantage of in college, if any? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

Click to expand...

Wow your son has a way better file then I did out of high school. I went to community college and I recommend that if USCGA is what your son really wants to do go this route because state university classes are so big it will be harder to build a personal relationship with professors. He will need recommendations from his college professors and I really built a good relationship with them because class sizes were no more than 30-35. Do not ask for the letters until mid October- Early November. The only thing with community college is you need to get all A's and take the courses I said above. He will need to get his high school counselor to write the recommendation required for a counselor. Show improvement on test scores and the PFE and your son should be fine; USCGA really likes reapplicants. Honestly your sons extra-curricular activities are strong enough that I would just tell him to focus on school and test scores. I didn't get involved in anything and I had a weaker file then your son coming out of high school. I finished my application in late December, got qualified in mid January, and got in February 25th. Honestly community college sucks and your son is going to get sick of it pretty fast and see his friends at big universities having fun, but encourage him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is totally worth it

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for the advice! We were leaning towards community college anyhow. Did you talk to your admissions advisor about weaknesses on your original application? I wish they'd at least give you a one sentence reason why you didn't get in on the rejection letter. I would love to know his biggest weakness. He thought he did well on his interview, but maybe not. I guess we'll always wonder. Anyhow, congratulations on your appointment and thanks again!

Click to expand...

Honestly I barely ever had contact with my admissions officer. Mine were very hard to get a hold of and not very helpful. Since your son had an interview and has talked to his admission officer, I would have your son email him/her to see weaknesses in his file. They will probably say SAT scores need to improve to around 1400. There are many test score improvement courses like Princeton review and Kaplan. I personally did Princeton review, but you should look into both to see what is best. Good luck to your son!

Click to expand...

On the topic of SAT improvement courses, I'm an American applying from abroad and can't get access to any SAT prep, so I used Khan Academy, a free online service. I found it really helpful and got a score of 1300. Not sure if that's good enough for the academy though.
It's hard to tell what part of the application is the one that let you down.
If I do go to University instead of community college, can I get my recommendations from my high school English and math teachers, or should I ask the professor, who like you said probably won't know me too well in a large university class?

Click to expand...

We paid $700 for my son to take an SAT course (I think it was Kaplan), and he scored 1080 the first time. He also left 26 questions blank, which you'd think he'd realize was a big " no no" after taking a class like that haha. He studied on his own using Kahn Academy the second time, and brought his score up to 1260, so I definitely think it helps. Now that he's been taking college Calculus, he feels like a lot of math is "clicking", so he knows he can bring his score up again.

Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82.

Hi all, I have not been very active on the forum but have followed it for over a year. I did not get in last year to USCGA, but reapplied and got in this year after a year of college and ACT prep. I see many of you are waiting to here and if some of you do not get in and want to reapply I would be happy to answer questions that you have about the reapplication process. Good luck to the rest still waiting!

Click to expand...

Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82. He passed the DODmerb. I'm not sure what else he can do besides bring up his test scores??? Were the essays and recommendations the same? What about a recommendation from school counselor? When did you re-apply? Are you at a community college? When did you find out you got in? Finally, what leadership positions did you take advantage of in college, if any? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

Click to expand...

I'm curious, your son's resume sounds very similar to my own... If you don't mind my asking, what were your sons PR times for swimming at the 100 free and/or his best events? I would like to hopefully swim at the academy and use that as an extra blurb on my application... Every little bit helps. So I'm just curious the level of swimmers they're seeing apply and if I'm comparable. Thank you!

Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82.

Hi all, I have not been very active on the forum but have followed it for over a year. I did not get in last year to USCGA, but reapplied and got in this year after a year of college and ACT prep. I see many of you are waiting to here and if some of you do not get in and want to reapply I would be happy to answer questions that you have about the reapplication process. Good luck to the rest still waiting!

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Thank you for starting this thread! My son just found out that he did not get in this past week. He was obviously very disappointed, but he's ready to work harder than ever and re-apply. We are unsure about the process. He is dual-enrolled for his senior year so he's taking college Calculus, Sociology, and Conceptual Physics right now. He has also taken College English. His SAT was 1260. He will take that again along with ACT (never took). He's a state level swimmer, team captain, USA Certified Swim Coach, Eagle Scout, several part time jobs including head lifeguard, and runs his own photography business. GPA 3.82. He passed the DODmerb. I'm not sure what else he can do besides bring up his test scores??? Were the essays and recommendations the same? What about a recommendation from school counselor? When did you re-apply? Are you at a community college? When did you find out you got in? Finally, what leadership positions did you take advantage of in college, if any? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

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I'm curious, your son's resume sounds very similar to my own... If you don't mind my asking, what were your sons PR times for swimming at the 100 free and/or his best events? I would like to hopefully swim at the academy and use that as an extra blurb on my application... Every little bit helps. So I'm just curious the level of swimmers they're seeing apply and if I'm comparable. Thank you!

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His 100 free is around 50.5, 200 free is 1:50.44, and his 500 free is 4:52. He had a shoulder injury that forced him to take off his junior year so he did not reach out to Coast Westkott until December when we shoulder was fully rehabbed. Thankfully, he passed DODmerb. We met the coach recently while visiting the Academy. He was great! I would recommend reaching out to him to show interest asap.

This caught my eye because our DS did get an appointment to USNA back in December and although was recruited as a swimmer, actually got an academic LOA. Swimmers are a natural fit for all academies. Anybody who is physically fit like swimmers but has the mental fortitude to get up at 4:00 a.m. to do a thankless non-revenue sport that can't be monetized, says volumes about you character and work ethic.

The Academies, however, are about the total package. Brains and athletics are not enough and believe that serving others and showing leadership is almost as important. There are plenty of smart people who are athletic. But are they good people. Ours DS tutors, is active Jr. youth advisor at church, Special Olympics, feeding homeless at men's shelter, president of NHS, head team captain, all while full time student and training 25 hrs a week in the pool. None of it is driven by us. We help guide, we help nurture, but we do not drive the bus.

USCGA is DIII so Swimming not nearly as competitive compared to USNA or USMA. To give you an idea of being competitive for swimming at USNA, our DS is :55 low and <2:00 in breast stroke, 4:29 in 500 free.

Thank you both for the info! I'm currently a junior, (just applied for AIM) and as far as swimming goes, my best 100 free is 50.4, 100 back is 55.7. I'm hoping to get to maybe a mid 54 in the back and mid 49 for the free this summer... Anyways, good luck to your DS, aquinnsurf, and congratulations MAC_daddy, on your DS's appointment!

This caught my eye because our DS did get an appointment to USNA back in December and although was recruited as a swimmer, actually got an academic LOA. Swimmers are a natural fit for all academies. Anybody who is physically fit like swimmers but has the mental fortitude to get up at 4:00 a.m. to do a thankless non-revenue sport that can't be monetized, says volumes about you character and work ethic.

The Academies, however, are about the total package. Brains and athletics are not enough and believe that serving others and showing leadership is almost as important. There are plenty of smart people who are athletic. But are they good people. Ours DS tutors, is active Jr. youth advisor at church, Special Olympics, feeding homeless at men's shelter, president of NHS, head team captain, all while full time student and training 25 hrs a week in the pool. None of it is driven by us. We help guide, we help nurture, but we do not drive the bus.

USCGA is DIII so Swimming not nearly as competitive compared to USNA or USMA. To give you an idea of being competitive for swimming at USNA, our DS is :55 low and <2:00 in breast stroke, 4:29 in 500 free.

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Well said, MAC_Daddy. As I creep on this forum, I wonder what set my DD apart from all these stellar applicants. She applied EA after speaking with the track coach. She's a solid athlete, a great student taking mostly college courses in math and science in high school, and got good ACT scores like many on the forum, but as I read your post, I'm understanding that it is her volunteerism that has helped set her apart. Reapplicants: Tutor your peers, train young soccer players and track athletes, be on a junior board of directors. Feed the Starving Children, participate in NHS or college honors program and work a couple of part-time jobs. DD has also done this all on her own. In fact, the more I nag her the more she pushes back and does her own thing. I'm finally learning it works for her! Show you have depth and have your poop in a group! Good luck!

I am not sure where to post this question, but here goes: My DS did not receive a positive response from USCGA but, God love him, has hit the ground running in terms of recovering from the disappointment and moving on to Plan B (Plan B is VMI (Reservation Fee mailed today)). He intends to reapply to CGA. How in the world, if he's a VMI Rat, will he be able to retake SATs and ACTs, when, as I understand it, he will have no free time on the weekends?

This caught my eye because our DS did get an appointment to USNA back in December and although was recruited as a swimmer, actually got an academic LOA. Swimmers are a natural fit for all academies. Anybody who is physically fit like swimmers but has the mental fortitude to get up at 4:00 a.m. to do a thankless non-revenue sport that can't be monetized, says volumes about you character and work ethic.

The Academies, however, are about the total package. Brains and athletics are not enough and believe that serving others and showing leadership is almost as important. There are plenty of smart people who are athletic. But are they good people. Ours DS tutors, is active Jr. youth advisor at church, Special Olympics, feeding homeless at men's shelter, president of NHS, head team captain, all while full time student and training 25 hrs a week in the pool. None of it is driven by us. We help guide, we help nurture, but we do not drive the bus.

USCGA is DIII so Swimming not nearly as competitive compared to USNA or USMA. To give you an idea of being competitive for swimming at USNA, our DS is :55 low and <2:00 in breast stroke, 4:29 in 500 free.

I am not sure where to post this question, but here goes: My DS did not receive a positive response from USCGA but, God love him, has hit the ground running in terms of recovering from the disappointment and moving on to Plan B (Plan B is VMI (Reservation Fee mailed today)). He intends to reapply to CGA. How in the world, if he's a VMI Rat, will he be able to retake SATs and ACTs, when, as I understand it, he will have no free time on the weekends?

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VMI isn't anything to slouch about, but if he's dead set on USCGA a community college or four year public school and really concentrating on those scores seems to be the "reapply route". I remember DS mentioned one of the cadre at AIM had gone to a year at University of Colorado and reapplied.

Thank you both for the info! I'm currently a junior, (just applied for AIM) and as far as swimming goes, my best 100 free is 50.4, 100 back is 55.7. I'm hoping to get to maybe a mid 54 in the back and mid 49 for the free this summer... Anyways, good luck to your DS, aquinnsurf, and congratulations MAC_daddy, on your DS's appointment!

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At AIM last year DS was able to meet the coach of the swim team. DS loved AIM and be prepared for a "realistic" couple of days. The coach at USCGA is an excellent coach I've been told.

I am not sure where to post this question, but here goes: My DS did not receive a positive response from USCGA but, God love him, has hit the ground running in terms of recovering from the disappointment and moving on to Plan B (Plan B is VMI (Reservation Fee mailed today)). He intends to reapply to CGA. How in the world, if he's a VMI Rat, will he be able to retake SATs and ACTs, when, as I understand it, he will have no free time on the weekends?

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If test scores are his biggest weakness, then I would have to agree that going to VMI may not be the best option. One thing you will get at MMI, NMMI, or NWP is ACT/SAT prep. However getting into an SAT/ACT improvement course and then going to a local university or community college may work just as well.

Remember as a VMI graduate you can apply for a Coast Guard commission directly through the Direct Commission Selected Schools program. See gocoastguard.com under active duty officer programs for the details to consider.